Regarding laundry, most people often focus only on sorting clothes, adding detergent, and pressing the start button. But the chore needs more care and consideration because a little mishap can permanently damage delicate clothing. To ensure that one’s clothes stand the test of time, one can avoid these common mistakes that can turn out to be costly and make simple and practical adjustments to one’s laundry routine to optimize the results.

Mistakes to avoid while doing laundry

Not sorting clothes
Sorting one’s laundry is an essential step that many people overlook. Mixing different fabrics and colors can result in color bleeding, lint transfer, and damage to delicate items. One should separate clothes into different piles based on color, fabric type, and washing instructions to fix this. For instance, not sorting one’s white clothes separately from colored items can result in unfortunate color transfers, leaving one’s pristine whites with a dingy appearance. Similarly, throwing delicate fabrics like silk or lace with heavy-duty denim can lead to snags, tears, and irreparable damage.

Overusing detergent
Too much detergent can leave residue on one’s clothes, making them feel stiff and reducing their lifespan. One should follow the recommended dosage on the detergent packaging and adjust it according to the load size. For heavily soiled clothes, one can pre-treat stains instead of using extra detergent.

Using detergent with harsh chemicals
Certain detergents contain harsh chemicals that can damage one’s clothes, especially delicate fabrics like silk or wool, and harm one’s health since one comes in close contact with the chemicals. In addition, they are also harmful to the environment. Some common harsh chemicals used in detergents include dyes, formaldehyde, chlorine bleach, phosphates, and SLS. One can check the ingredients list to avoid products containing these chemicals. Instead, one can opt for mild, eco-friendly detergents that are gentle on fabrics and the environment.

Not reading garment-specific washing instructions
Each garment comes with specific washing instructions that should be followed to ensure its longevity. Ignoring these instructions can result in shrinkage, color fading, or damage to delicate embellishments. For instance, some embroidered garments or delicate silk clothes may need to be dry-cleaned or washed. Similarly, wool sweaters or down jackets may require special care techniques like hand-washing or professional dry cleaning. Always take the time to read and understand the washing instructions on the care label of each garment.

Not zipping jeans or dresses before loading them in the washer
Leaving zippers undone can cause them to snag on other garments, resulting in tears and pulled threads. One should zip them up before tossing jeans, dresses, or clothing items with zippers into the washing machine. This simple step can prevent unnecessary damage.

Overburdening the washer or dryer
Stuffing one’s washing machine or dryer to the brim might seem like a time-saving strategy, but it can lead to inadequate cleaning and uneven drying. Overloading the machine stresses the motor and drum, leading to potential damage. One should follow the machine’s capacity guidelines to ensure proper cleaning and drying.

Ignoring stains
Leaving stains untreated before washing can make them more difficult to remove later. Whether it’s a food spill or a grease mark, one should address the stain promptly by pre-treating it with a stain remover or a mixture of detergent and water. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing to increase the chances of successful stain removal.

Not checking pockets
Leaving items like pens, coins, or tissues in pockets can cause major havoc during washing. Pens can leak and ruin clothes, coins can damage the machine, and tissues can disintegrate and stick to fabrics. One should always check and empty pockets before throwing one’s clothes in the wash.

Using hot water for everything
While hot water is effective for heavy-duty cleaning, it may not suit all fabrics. Hot water can cause certain fabrics to shrink, fade, or lose shape. Check the care label, use cold or warm water for delicate items, and save hot water for items requiring thorough cleaning.

Neglecting delicate cycle
Delicate fabrics like silk, lace, or cashmere require extra care. Refrain from using the delicate cycle to prevent these fabrics from stretching or tearing. When washing these items, one can set the machine to a gentle or delicate cycle to preserve their integrity.

Using a dryer on delicate fabrics or elastic
High heat in the dryer can harm delicate fabrics, leading to shrinkage or damage. Air drying is the safest option for delicate garments. Similarly, elastic items like swimwear or undergarments can stretch or droop due to the heat or spinning in the dryer. One can lay these items flat on a clean, dry towel or use a drying rack to help them retain their shape.

Skipping regular cleaning of the washing machine
Over time, detergent residue, lint, and bacteria can build up inside one’s washing machine, affecting its performance and leaving one’s clothes less clean. Regularly clean one’s washing machine by running a cycle with hot water and vinegar or a specialized cleaner.

Using fabric softener on all fabrics
While fabric softeners can make clothes feel softer, they can also leave a residue on fabrics, clogging their pores and reducing their absorbency and breathability. One should avoid fabric softener on microfiber towels, terry cloth, athletic wear, or items requiring maximum absorption. Instead, one can use white vinegar to soften clothes without the residue.

Pouring detergent directly on garments
This mistake can bleach one’s clothes or leave faded stains on garments. One should pour only the required amount of detergent in the designated space and avoid overusing the same.

By avoiding these major laundry mistakes and following the tips, one can extend the life of one’s clothes, maintain their quality, and prevent unnecessary damage. Proper laundry care protects one’s investment in clothing and ensures that one always looks one’s best.